By U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve
Watterworth, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR - A 2008 Westwood High School graduate and Austin, Texas
native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of a crew working aboard one of the
world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS Santa Fe.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Harris is an electronics technician (submarine,
communications) serving aboard the Pearl Harbor-based submarine, one of 40 Los
Angeles-class submarines making it the backbone of the submarine force.
A Navy electronics technician is responsible for operating and
maintaining the sub’s radio communications, including the mast and antennas.
“Besides being an electronics technician,
one of my collateral duties is being a diver and doing maintenance, search and
recovery,” said Harris. “No two days are the same in this job.”
With a crew of 130, this submarine is 360 feet long and weighs
approximately 6,900 tons. A nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarine
through the water at more than 25 mph.
Attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines
and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and
deliver Navy SEALs; carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
missions; and engage in mine warfare. Their primary tactical advantage is
stealth, operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time.
“Submarine sailors never cease to amaze me
with their ability to complete complex missions in the world’s most challenging
environments,” said Rear Adm. Fritz Roegge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S.
Pacific Fleet. “Continued U.S. undersea superiority is not possible without
their dedication, expertise and professionalism.”
According to Navy officials, because of the demanding
environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous
testing and observation. Submariners are some of the most highly trained and
skilled people in the Navy. The training is highly technical and each crew has
to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment
on board. Regardless of their specialty,
everyone also has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond
in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear
the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.
“The culture
of the ship and the riders [civilians] who do maintanance say this ship is one
of their favorites,” said Harris. “The
fact that we recently were awarded the ‘Battle-E’ says as much. We’re the best
boat in the squadron.”
Challenging submarine living conditions
actually build strong fellowship among the elite crew, Navy officials explained. The crews are highly motivated, and
quickly adapt to changing conditions. It
is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills.
“For me, my tour of duty on this submarine
represents a period of extreme personal and
professional growth,” added Harris.